Best LED Grow Lights Under $500 2023

What if I tell you that you can get the best led grow lights under $500?

You heard it right!

And you know what?

I spent a lot of time testing more than 30 high-quality LED grow lights with a few friends before deciding on the top five. If you use any of these five LED grow lights wisely and effectively, you will obtain returns that are bigger and better than you anticipate! I’ll bet my house and gorgeous garden on it!

Especially cannabis growers, pay attention in the review.

I will present you these LED grow lights one by one and explain everything essential for you to know as a buyer. So, shall we start? I am going to start even if you say NO!

Our Top Picks

Review

Viparspectra V1200 1200W LED Grow Light – Best LED Grow Light for Cannabis Growing

Viparspectra is a dominating brand, and they have dominated in my review as well! So much domination! Ok, keep the company aside, let us talk about this particular product. When we have our very first look at this model’s features and specs, we feel, “This is how a full-spectrum LED Grow Light should be.” Entirely designed and highly attractive. 100+ consumers gave their opinion about this product on Amazon, and 4+ stars it received. It’s one of the best LED Grow Lights in the full-spectrum category.

88% Success rate is brilliant. Now let us get closer to this full-spectrum LED Grow Light and know some numbers about it. Yeah, it is the specs!

Specs

• Product Dimensions: 19.4 x 19.4 x 3 inches
• Item Weight: 20 pounds
• Replacing capability: 1000 watt HPS/MH
• Vegetative Coverage at 32″ Height: 4.5×4.5 ft
• Flowering Coverage at 24″ Height: 3.5×3.5 ft
• Avg. Power Draw: 520W±3%
• LED quality: 240pcs. 5Watt Bridgelux/Epileds LED Chips 
• LEDs Angle: 90° 
• Input Voltage: AC100-240V
• Frequency: 50-60Hz
• Lifespan: 100,000 hours
• Warranty: 3 Years
• Money-back guarantee: 30 days
• Number of fans: 4
• PAR output at 24 inches: 508 umols

Features

Ok, we have gone through the numbers, now it is the time for knowing the potentials of this LED grow light. How will we know? By mentioning and explaining features! Don’t go too fast, read slowly and understand all these LED Grow Lights properly.

The full spectrum of lights

One of the most significant factors responsible for the success of most of the grow lights of Viparspectra is the full spectrum that they provide. However, no UV here, but that isn’t going to play lemon here. That is acceptable. You are getting IR and white light. You can control this spectrum, but I will explain that a bit later on. At least some suspense must be there.

Veg and bloom switches

Do you know that when the plants are enjoying their early stage of growth, childhood, they need more blue light, and they need more red when they grow up, they need more red? With this LED grow light, you can bring these changes just by the push of a button. That makes growing more comfortable, and your plants get perfect light at the ideal time, which lets the plant grow correctly. So much perfection!

The perfect heat dissipation system

Proper circulation of heat is essential inside your grow tent. Otherwise, your plants get a heat stroke! Yes, the leaves burn, and I know that you do not want that to happen. The makers also do not want that to happen either, so they have provided a perfect heat dissipation system. Four high-speed fans and upgraded aluminum heat sinks correctly do the job.

Coverage area

Usually, you place your light two feet above for the veg stage and a foot and a half for the bloom stage. Here, you are supposed to extend the distance in both cases—32 inches for veg and 24 inches for the bloom. You are getting the right coverage area here. 4.5’x4.5’ is vegetative coverage and 3.5’x3.5’ flowering coverage. Very good! More plants, more weed, haha, feeling greedy?

Pros:

• Great value for money.
• Perfect heat dissipation system.
• Impressive coverage area.
• Veg and Bloom switches are present.
• The full spectrum of lights, including IR and white light.
• 3 Years warranty.
• 30 Days money back guarantee.

Cons:

• No UV included.
• A bit less powerful in comparison to other 1200W models.
• A bit higher power draw.

Viparspectra V1200 1200W LED Grow Light reviews: The Verdict

Now you know all the capabilities of this model, right? So, what you caught from that? Yes, this one is really impressive, and most importantly, it is cheap. You can rely upon the durability, and if any cases of malfunction or damage, the warranty service is always there to pull you out of trouble.

No overheating or high noise issues at all. It has successfully provided excellent results. Cannabis lovers are highly beneficial after buying this model, and if you are one of them, you must not waste time. I highly recommend you to bring a Viparspectra V1200 1200W LED Grow Light home. It’s certainly one of the best LED Grow Lights you can buy under only $500.

Viparspevtra Dimmable Series PAR1200 1200W LED Grow Light – Editor’s choice

Same company, and same Watts here also, but the difference is the Series. Yes, the previous one was not dimmable, it was having the standard Veg and Bloom switches, but this 1200 Watt LED Grow Light model is dimmable and has different features.

I found many people in the consumer reviews where they were asking, “Which one is better, the dimmable one, or the non-dimmable?” Here I am, to show you the difference, and knowing about these two fully, you will be able to figure out which one is more suitable for you.

There is no significant price difference, but if honestly said, this one is a bit tough to operate, but if you operate properly, it can give even better results. So, it is upon you how much you can fetch out of it.

Specs

• Product Dimensions: 19.7 x 17.3 x 3.5 inches
• Item Weight: 27.5 pounds
• Vegetative Coverage: 4x4ft
• Flowering Coverage: 3.5×3.5ft
• LED Chip Power: 240pcsx5W Bridgelux/Epileds 
• Avg. Power Draw: 527W±3%
• HPS Replacement: 1000W
• Switches/Dimmers: VEG & BLOOM Dimmers
• Frequency: 50-60Hz
• Lifespan: 100,000 hours
• Input Voltage: AC100-240V
• Lens Angle: 90°
• PAR from 24 inches: 1020 umols
• Warranty: 3 years
• Money-back guarantee: 30 days

Features

If you want to know in what way is this dimmable model different from the non-dimmable one, you need to read the features properly to point out which one suits you better. Here I go!

Spectrum

This best LED Grow Light has a 12 band full spectrum. IR is present. IR means Infrared light. But UV, which means that Ultraviolet is not present. White light is there (3000K-7500K). So, in this way, the spectrum of both these models is almost the same. You must be thinking that if the spectrum is the same, then the yield will also be the same.

If you are thinking so, then you are too innocent. Spectrum is not everything; there are certainly more factors, which support the yield.

Veg and Bloom dimmable switches

Here comes the twist! With this model, you are not getting the On/Off switch for the veg and bloom. Instead, you are getting dimmers. You can adjust them anywhere between 1-100. Did you get what does that means? You have got a cent percent control over the spectrum. I would say it is far better than those Veg/Bloom switches. It is like the updated version. But you need to control them perfectly instead of joining hands with the guesswork.

Using suggestions

I found it very important to provide you with some instructions regarding the usage of this LED Grow Light. I do not want you to ruin your yield with the wrong setting. Follow the chart mentioned below properly and operate accordingly.

Plant Stage–Height(above plant)–Hours–Brightness(VEG/BLOOM)

Acclimation period —48″-52″ —10 on /14 off—–40% V/15% B

Seedling/germination–44″-48″–12 on /12 off—–60% V/30% B

Vegetative stage—-36″-44″ —18 on /6 off——-100% V/60% B

Flowering stage—32″-40″ —12 on /12 off——100% V/100% B

Outstanding Heat Dissipation System

The heat dissipation system has brought two advantages to you. One is its normal work of cutting off heat and maintaining the right air circulation in your tent, and the other benefit is that it has added on to the looks of the whole unit and made it more attractive and expensive looking. There are four fans on the panel’s front side and the upgraded aluminum heat sink also—no loud noise issue.

Extra-ordinary PAR value

In terms of PAR value, it clearly dominates the non-dimmable 1200W model. You are getting 1020 umols from 24 inches height. But you are not supposed to place it there during the veg stage. The height must be 36 inches minimum, I have mentioned that in the chart above. From there, the PAR value recording is 648 lumens.

Pros:

• Presence of Veg and Bloom dimmable dials for a better control.
• Extra-ordinary PAR value.
• Outstanding heat-dissipation system.
• Attractive and modern looks.
• Full 12 bands spectrum with IR and white light.
• Highly durable.
• 3 Years limited warranty.
• 30 Days money back guarantee.

Cons:

• Tough to operate properly for beginners.
• No UV included.

Viparspevtra Dimmable Series PAR1200 1200W LED Grow Light Reviews: The verdict

If you talk about this model, then it is perfect from all directions. It satisfies you on all grounds. 100+ reviews on Amazon, and it gained 4.5+ stars there! 90%+ of success it has attained! So, if you are good at perfectly utilizing the dimmer switches, you will be berried under the yields! Just for fun!

With that much money in your wallet, you will certainly not find any other model, which is equally powerful, feature-rich, and productive. Hardly anyone is there, who is dissatisfied with its performance. If a few bulbs have gone, then we do not count that as a major issue. That was the only thing to complain about. It’s unquestionably one of the best LED Grow Lights you can buy under only $500. So, I finish up by words – “I highly recommend you to buy Viparspevtra Dimmable Series PAR1200 1200W LED Grow Light.”

Advanced Platinum Series P300 300wLED grow light – Amazon’s choice

Like the previous two, this one has also touched the heights of success. But this one has sold in a bigger number than both of them. Yeah, it is high in trend nowadays. 300+ customers shared their views on this model on Amazon, and it received 4.5+ stars there. This model surprises you with power. This one is smaller in size but does tremendous work.

The biggest thing is that this one is the biggest power saver in my 5 Best LED grow lights under $500 Reviews, and there are many other good things about it.

Specs

• Dimensions: 8.25 x 19 x 3 inches.
• Weight: 13 lbs
• HID Replacement: 400w HPS
• Max Coverage at 24″Height: 4.5’x3.8′
• Core Coverage at 18″Height: 3’x2′
• LED Quantity: 100x3w US MADE LEDs
• Lifespan: 100,000 hours
• LED Focusing Lens: 90°
• Avg. Power Draw: 93w Veg / 180w Bloom
• Voltage: AC85V-260V
• PAR output at 24 inches653 umols
• Warranty5 years
• Money-back guarantee: 90 days

Features

I know you were deeply impressed when you read all those numbers mentioned above in the Specs. Control your excitement. There is still much for you to get impressed and excited about. Here we roll further with the features.

12 bands full spectrum

This 300W model provides you with such an outstanding spectrum, and that is why I like to call it a masterpiece! It will provide 12 bands of light in this Advanced Platinum Series 300w LED Grow Light spectrum. That is perfect enough to support all growth stages. Most importantly, IR and UV are involved. So, what else are you looking for in this spectrum? It’s one of the best full-spectrum LED Grow Lights.

Decent PAR value

I have tried and tested abundant LED grow lights till now and found that hardly any other LED grow light satisfied me that much! I have a list of many LED grow lights, which are much expensive and provided you with much lesser PAR value. No comparison at its price level regarding PAR value. From the height of 18 inches, you get 1050 umols PAR value, and from 24 inches, it is 683 umols.

The actual power draw is less, but HPS replacing capability is high.

When I make you familiar with the number of its actual power draw and the HPS replacement capability, both together, you, as a reader, will be surprised surely. Not just surprised, you will be flying in the air! Turn ON the veg switch, and it is going to suck 90W only as an average! While if you are rolling with Bloom switch, then it is going to sip 180W.

Now, what is there about HPS replacing capability? 400W HPS is what this 300W model is replacing, actually! I know again you are flying!

The lengthy warranty

In this department, this LED Grow Light has dominated the whole market. No other company is generous enough to provide a warranty of five years. You normally get two or three years, not more than that. So, did see you see the confidence level of Advanced LED? It doesn’t end up here. The money-back-guarantee is also three times more lengthy than normal. 90 days is the period!

Pros:

• Highly durable.
• Maximum PAR value at this price.
• Extremely powerful and bright.
• 12 bands full-spectrum with IR and UV.
• High energy saving ability.
• 5 Years limited warranty.
• 90 days money back guaranty.

Cons:

• Costlier than other 300W models.

Advanced Platinum Series P300 300wLED grow light review: The Verdict

See guys, you are not getting a single chance to complain anything about this item. There is nothing like 100% perfect, but I call this one 99% perfect. There are many fields in which it is unbeatable at the same price level. Most importantly, the satisfaction rate is quite high, and it has pleased people by saving their dollars, as it sips quite less electricity than any other model. It’s assuredly one of the best LED Grow Lights you can obtain under only $500.

Do not wait. Don’t say a word. Just click on the “place your order” button. I highly recommend Advanced Platinum Series P300 300wLED grow light.

Marshydro Reflector 960W LED Grow Light reviews – Best attractive model

This one is the most attractive on my list. 250+ users reviewed this item, and 4+ stars scored there. If you have a tight budget, this one is for you. Don’t worry; less price doesn’t mean that there is any deficiency. This 960W model is equally efficient and equally beneficial. It’s one of the best LED Grow Lights you can get for under only $500. I have given spots in my review to only perfect LED grow lights.

Specs

• Unit Dimensions: 22 x 19 x 3 inches
• Weight: 17 pounds
• Number of led bulbs: 192pcs x 5watt chip
• Max Yield: 1.6g/watt
• Actual Wattage: 410W/110v, 374W/220V
• Amp Draw: 3.72A/110V, 1.175A/220V
• Coverage Area Flower: 4ft x 4ft
• Coverage Area Veg: 5.5ft x 5.5ft
• Replace HPS/HID/MH: 450watt
• Heat Output: 1398 BTU
• Input Voltage: 85V-265V(AC)
• Frequency Range: 56-60Hz
• Life Rating: 50000-100000 hours
• LED View Angle: 90°/120°Mixed
• PAR output at 24 inches: 865 umols
• Warranty: 3 Years
• Money-back guarantee: 30 Days

Features

How impressive those numbers were. Still, I think that there are many things that I must explain to you so that you know the product better. Here I present you the features and explain their importance respectively.

Decent PAR value

This Grow Light helps your plants in thriving the best way by providing such a high PAR value. PAR value is nothing but the intensity or impact of light over a given unit area. Ok, let me not go much scientific now. At 24 inches, 865 umols, and at 18 inches, 1200 umols! Such pleasing numbers! With that much intensity of light, you can conveniently grow underwater plants also.

Fantastic coverage area

Marshydro Reflector 960W LED Grow Light has dominated my 5 Best LED grow lights under $500 Reviews in terms of growing area. Yes, 25 square feet of veg coverage area and 16 square feet of bloom coverage area actually means a lot and is the max at this price level. You can’t just get a better yield, but a bigger yield as well. You will be able to grow max cannabis at this price level. If you try to find some other grow light with a similar coverage area, you will find how expensive they are compared to this one.

Veg bloom switches and daisy-chaining capability

You are getting a full spectrum, which consists of 12 bands of light. If you want to block certain light during a certain phase of growth, you can do that. I explained these switches’ purpose in the features of our first LED grow light of this review. The function is the same here as well. This model comes with a daisy-chaining feature also. Link it with other units, and maximize your growing area. This particular feature proves itself very supportive for large-scale growers.

Better canopy penetration

This whole LED grow light is designed so that all the parts of your plants sustain an equal intensity of light, which helps overall growth. You already know the PAR value and power of this light. So, even if there is a thick canopy at the top of the plants, the light will penetrate to the plants’ lowest portions.

Pros:

• Very reasonable price.
• Max coverage area at that price level.
• Energy-saving abilities.
• Decent PAR value.
• Daisy-chaining feature.
• Dual Veg/Bloom switches.
• Long lifespan.
• 3 Years warranty.
• 30 days money back guarantee.

Cons:

• No UV chips.
• Non-dimmable.

Marshydro Reflector 960W LED Grow Light reviews: The verdict

You are paying very little money and successfully getting such a big and best quality cannabis yield. That is a reason for which growers love it so much. With that much light intensity, you can grow several things like peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, aquatics, flowers, non-seasonal fruits, and much more.

I hardly have got any reason which shifts you back from buying it. This model makes you highly advantageous, and as a result, I highly recommend Marshydro Reflector 960W LED Grow Light to all growers.

Viparspectra Timer Control Series TC1350 1350W LED Grow Light – Best timer control model

The model is different from those four, which I mentioned and explained in my 5 Best LED grow lights under $500 reviews till now. This one provides you with an additional luxury! A timer it is. However, this LED grow light model is not that popular right now, but its functions are great. I am sure that in upcoming times, it is going to tough heights in sales.

On Amazon, only 50+ customer reviews are there, and 4+ stars are the rating. So, I am sure that you will not fully know about this model by visiting Amazon. So, it’s your buddy here to explain everything to you. Right now, he is going to show you the specs.

Specs

• Product Dimensions: 21.9 x 21.7 x 3 inches
• Item Weight: 27.6 pounds
• Replacing capability: 1000W HPS/MH
• Vegetative Coverage at 44″: 5x5ft
• Flowering Coverage at 32″: 4x4ft
• Avg. Power Draw: 620W MAX
• LED Chips: (270pcs)  5W Bridgelux/Epileds
• LEDs Angle: 90°
• Input Voltage: AC100-240V
• Frequency: 50-60Hz
• Lifespan: 100,000 hours
• PAR output at 24 inches: 680 umols
• Warranty: 3 Years
• Money-back guarantee: 30 days

Features

If you want to fully know about this particular Timer Control Series model, you definitely need to read about the features because they are different from other LED grow lights. From here, you are going to get an absolute idea about whether this grow light is going to fulfill your desires and is worth purchase or not.

Dimmable veg bloom channels

12 Bands full spectrum here also. Yes, this one is a dimmable model. There are two LCDs that display whether on which switch is this LED grow light running. Not just that, there is one more LCD, which indicates the digits, from where you can determine at what intensity the light is running. Veg and Bloom lights can be programmed individually. So, you have got a 100% control over the spectrum. It’s one of the best full-spectrum LED Grow Lights.

Built-in timer

No need to track everything manually. The built-in timer cuts off your effort. You can set the timer as per convenience, and the LED is going to work accordingly. The whole controlling is done with the help of a remote, which arrives with the product. However, if you are not an experienced one, don’t just start doing guesswork or experimentation.

That way, you will ruin your yield. So, first, get fully familiar with the operating, then operate. Take the help of someone who has experience. If you use it properly, then this timer is such a fantastic thing to have.

Fantastic cooling system

There are four scientifically designed perfectly sized cooling fans, which operate from the LED panel’s backside. Aluminum heat sinks (0.8” height) are also there to support these fans in the process of heat dissipation. You, as a user, are not going to suffer any high noise trouble.

Gigantic coverage area

This model’s coverage area is the same as Marshydro Reflector 960W LED Grow Light about which I was explaining a few moments ago. But here, the height of placements is different. Here, if I start mentioning those digits here in a paragraph, you will get confused. So, what I have provided you is a chart that holds all necessary info regarding usage suggestions. Here it is:

TC1350————–Height——Hours——-Bright(VEG/BLOOM)

Acclimation Period:—52″-60″—10 on/14 off—-40%/15%

Young Vegetative:—-48″-54″—-12 on/12 off—-60%/30%

Vegetative Stage:—-40″-48″—-18 on/ 6 off—–100%/60%

Flowering Stage:—–28″-36″—-12 on/12 off—-100%/100%

Follow the chart properly if you want the best cannabis and marijuana.

Pros:

• Great value for money.
• LCD for displaying the settings.
• Fully remote controlled.
• Highly durable.
• Gigantic coverage area.
• Built-in timer.
• Fabulous PAR value.
• 3 Years limited warranty.
• 30 days money back guarantee.

Cons:

• A bit difficult to operate.
• Needs perfection in operating.

Viparspectra Timer Control Series TC1350 1350W LED Grow Light Reviews: The verdict

If you are an experienced one and want something more sophisticated than normal, then Viparspectra Timer Control Series TC1350 1350W LED Grow Light is such a perfect choice for you. If you know very well how to operate it properly, then, believe me, you will get unbelievable cannabis yields, that too for a very long time.

The coverage area is double fantastic. Besides that, you have got such a wide range of plants to grow with it. You do not have to worry about the electricity bills either. So, still, anything is stopping you from buying it? From my side, I am highly recommending Viparspectra Timer Control Series TC1350 1350W LED Grow Light.

5 Best LED grow lights under $500 Reviews: The Revision

I think I added a lot to your pot of knowledge, and now after getting so much info about the best Grow Light under the $500 mark, you will feel like an LED grow light expert. Yes, you can advise your friends, and after getting knowledge from you, they are surely going to get impressed. If you are confident regarding the purchase, then the main motto of writing 5 Best LED grow lights under $500 Reviews is completed.

But that isn’t it. Be good readers, and do a quick revision with me.

If you are an absolute cannabis grower and need a LED Grow Light strictly for cannabis only, I will recommend Viparspectra V1200 1200W LED Grow Light.

But if you are looking for something good from all aspects, buy Viparspevtra Dimmable Series PAR1200 1200W LED Grow Light. That is the editor’s choice.

If you believe more in the user’s experience and sales, then go on with Advanced Platinum Series P300 300wLED grow light. That is Amazon’s choice.

If you are looking for a highly functional but highly attractive LED frow light at the same time, then buy Marshydro Reflector 960W LED Grow Light.

If you want supreme control of your LED Grow Light, and want to control things at your fingertips, then Viparspectra Timer Control Series TC1350 1350W LED Grow Light is the best choice.

Ok, now the review is complete. Shift yourself now, and get the one for yourself which you think is the fittest for you. Bye, I will be back with something valuable again.

Last update on 2023-05-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API